NLEX defense ‘sucks,’ says coach Fernandez

MANILA, Philippines—For the second straight time, NLEX squandered a double-digit deficit as it scrambled to an 88-81 win over winless Informatics Tuesday in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the San Juan Gym.

It was an uncharacteristic performance from a three-time champion that left its head coach, Boyet Fernandez, fuming.

“I don’t know. We had very good practice the last four days, medyo nag-iba na naman ang mentality. It’s not really our offense that sucks, it’s our defense that sucks,” said Fernandez, whose team blew a 78-63 lead it built with 7:08 left.

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Fernandez said the Road Warriors got a wake-up call in their last game after it barely escaped Air21-JRU, 91-87.

At first, NLEX looked like it learned from its mistakes until the Icons battled back to within four, 79-83, with still 2:01 left.

“We already told them that every team they face will bring their end game. Paulit-ulit na pero siguro pukpok sa utak para magising,” said Fernandez. “If we will not change our attitude on defense, we’re dead.”

Fortunately for NLEX, Informatics collapsed down the stretch.

Cruz delivered a poor pass off the inbounds followed by an advantage foul by Kirk del Rosario that stretched the Road Warriors’ lead to seven, 86-79, with 1:38 remaining.

The Icons, who dropped to 0-3, came up empty in their offensive trips before Kevin Alas made the insurance free throws that put NLEX back up by nine, 88-79, with 1:12 left.